On Saturday 10th October, the news filtered through Saval that Lorraine Havern had won the World Under-17 girls singles title in the World Handball Championships in Portland, Oregon in the United States by defeating Amy Corrigan from Mayo. Lorraine became the first person from County Down to win a world title. The world title completed a remarkable hat-trick of titles for Lorraine in 2009, having already won the All-Ireland Colleges and Minor Titles earlier in the year. Having defeated Sietske van Der heijde from Canada in the first round, Lorraine then accounted for Shirley Chen from the USA to set up a semi-final match up with number one seed Catriona Casey. In what was voted one of the best matches in the whole tournament Lorraine came through in a tiebreaker to seal her place in the final against Amy Corrigan. The final was all about Lorraine with her usual determination and skill she came through in two games, 21-6, 21-18 and the celebrations could begin. The Saval club was then the centre of attention when Lorraine along with other competitors Brian Havern and Anna Madine were welcomed home by a large turn out of family, friends and club members. Chairman Edmond Lennon officially welcomed the player's home and congratulated Lorraine on her magnificent achievement in winning the world title. Mention was made of the hard work and practise put in by Lorraine in order to compete at this level and the sense of pride that the people of Saval had for her great achievement. But we also congratulated Brian Havern who coached Lorraine and her parents Barry and Annie without whose support over the last few years this success would never have happened Tweet

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